HIT: To the expansion of the neighborhood watch program. Stan Bryant, who is the program director for Van Anden Street, wants to expand the crime-deterring program throughout the city.

It's a great idea. Auburnians can acquire a free poster that they can put in the window that says they are looking out for suspicious activity on their streets.

Neighborhood watches have been proven to lower crime rates, and although Auburn's crime rate isn't as bad as some cities, this idea can only help.

MISS: To the icy weather the area received earlier this week. Sometimes getting snow may be for the best compared to the freezing rain and sleet that turned some roads into sheets of ice.

Schools wisely canceled classes to keep buses off the roads and walkers from suffering injuries going to class.

The best thing we can do when weather like this hits is to try and be as careful as possible.

HIT: To Auburn native Brian McKeon, who was named to Vice President-elect Joseph Biden's staff this week. McKeon, who has worked for Biden for more than 20 years, is one of the Delaware senator's most trusted advisors.

McKeon will be deputy national security advisor to the vice president. It's a great honor to see someone from Auburn make such a mark at the national level.

HIT: To a warning from the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control to make sure smoke alarms are working properly.

Sadly, as is well known, eight people, including children, lost their lives in a fire in Oswego County on Sunday. Smoke alarms can't prevent fires but they can help people escape in time, and any early warning can save lives.

Please check the batteries in your smoke alarms, it may save your family's lives. And while you're at it, consider also installing a carbon monoxide detector.